Cocoa Chai Spiced Nuts {Paleo} for Holiday Gifts

I’m nuts about the holiday season – absolutely, positively, literally nuts! Pecans, cashews, almonds, pistachios, macadamia and more, it’s hard to name a favorite. Only chocolate rivals my passion for nuts, and this year, I’ve come up with an exotically-spiced nut recipe that incorporates my love for these two – Paleo Cocoa Chai Spiced Nuts.Cocoa Chai Spiced Nuts are an easy, yummy gift made with cocoa powder, date sugar and assorted raw nuts like pecans, cashews and almonds.

A jar full of Paleo Cocoa Chai Spiced Nuts makes an edible gift that most everyone (with good taste) will appreciate. Plus, the smell of roasting nuts is guaranteed to draw a crowd, so make a couple batches because you may just end up with an impromptu holiday party on your hands!  Read on to get this paleo diet friendly recipe that is fun, fit and frugal to give as a gift: Continue reading

Make Ahead Italian Ground Beef for Meal Prep

Lean ground beef is an excellent source of meal-prep protein, packed with ZIP (zinc, iron and protein) and only about 150-ish calories for a cooked 3 ounces serving (4 ounce uncooked). My master recipe for Make Ahead Italian Ground Beef is easy to make, economical, ultra-versatile and freezes/defrosts beautifully rendering it ideal for freezer meals, meal prepping and make-ahead solutions. Make Ahead Italian Ground Beef for Meal Prep

Time and time again, I’ve used these deliciously seasoned beef crumbles in wholesome, hearty recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The recipe is basic, but the way it can be used in dishes is limited only to your imagination. Read on to get all the details and get a juicy, meaty jump start on your daily protein needs. Continue reading

Light Truffle Mushroom Burger Queso

When it comes to appetizers, are you looking for a starting player for your football parties and other fall-season entertaining? It’s the winning call to move my Light Truffle Mushroom Burger Queso to the top of any line up. This creative hamburger-inspired dip is insanely flavorful, fun to serve, and quite likely to cause a celebration dance in the chip-and-dip zone.  Light Truffle Mushroom Burger Queso

Oh, and did I mention that in the scheme of indulgent, creamy, cheesy dips, this queso is not the diet disaster that you might assume it to be? I’ve lightened it by using lower-fat milk and cheeses along with lean ground beef! Read on to get all the deets and this winning recipe. Continue reading

Hatch Chile Breakfast Egg Bake – Meal Prep Friendly

If I could pick the perfect pepper, it would be a Hatch green chile. In season for just a short time in late summer, these long, fleshy peppers are amazingly delicious grown in the soils of Hatch, NM along the Rio Grande. Because I’m a bona find Hatch-horder (one time having over 75 pounds of fire-roasted peppers in my freezer), I have yet another delicious recipe to share – Hatch Chile Breakfast Bake!Hatch Chile Breakfast Bake

It’s real family pleaser and can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Heck, crumble up the leftovers in a tortilla, douse in hot sauce and avocado and get to town! Read on to get the recipe and all the details, better hurry before Hatch season ends.

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Grilled Salmon Zucchini Quinoa Burgers

I’m all for adding a little veggie into my salmon burgers. Not only does it round out the nutrients, but also keeps patties moist, succulent and just so dang good straight off the grill.  Gluten Free Salmon Zucchini Quinoa Burgers

My Grilled Salmon Zucchini Quinoa Burgers are totally off the hook with fresh flavor and will make a splash at your next backyard cookout, pool party or seaside soiree. Read on to get this surprisingly simple recipe and that has just 225 calories, 18 grams of protein and a good-for-you amount of heart-healthy fats. Continue reading